Crippling economy affects senior job outlook
By: Lauren Lytle
Issue date: 3/27/09 Section: News
Many Americans are inevitably accepting the reality that our country is in a severe economic crisis, as house foreclosures, stimulus packages and job lay offs consistently overflow the headlines of major media outlets. College students, especially seniors, are facing the dilemma of pursuing a career in the dwindling job market.
Senior Katy Wynn explains the frustration that the economy has caused graduating students.
"The economy is forcing us to realize that beggars cannot be choosers; although many of us began Furman with ideal dream careers, the current job market does not grant us the freedom to be extremely selective," Wynn said.
Wynn, a business major, aspires to eventually work for The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien in Los Angeles; however, she is fortunate to receive a recent job offer in Greenville.
Wynn said, "With graduation only a few months away, the need for businesses to hire immediately is a point of frustration for seniors who are currently searching."
As a business major, Wynn is "coming at the ladder of success at all directions" by getting to know the right people and staying positive.
Senior Kathy Vermillion utilized networking as a helpful tool during her job search as an accounting major. As a member of the Student Alumni Council (SAC), Vermillion contacted alumni that helped her broaden her fields of interest.
"The economy has resulted in fewer job positions and a strength in competition," Vermillion said. "I have learned to be persistent and accept the fact that everyone starts out somewhere, even if it is not where you expected."
Lindsay Lark, a senior communication studies major, explains that her attempts to apply to companies have been counteracted by hiring freezes that prohibit businesses from hiring anyone. Lark has fortunately found one company with openings, and advises undergraduates to take advantage of the career search opportunities that Furman offers.
"It's all about the students' initiative. You get out what you put in," she said.
Senior Katy Wynn explains the frustration that the economy has caused graduating students.
"The economy is forcing us to realize that beggars cannot be choosers; although many of us began Furman with ideal dream careers, the current job market does not grant us the freedom to be extremely selective," Wynn said.
Wynn, a business major, aspires to eventually work for The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien in Los Angeles; however, she is fortunate to receive a recent job offer in Greenville.
Wynn said, "With graduation only a few months away, the need for businesses to hire immediately is a point of frustration for seniors who are currently searching."
As a business major, Wynn is "coming at the ladder of success at all directions" by getting to know the right people and staying positive.
Senior Kathy Vermillion utilized networking as a helpful tool during her job search as an accounting major. As a member of the Student Alumni Council (SAC), Vermillion contacted alumni that helped her broaden her fields of interest.
"The economy has resulted in fewer job positions and a strength in competition," Vermillion said. "I have learned to be persistent and accept the fact that everyone starts out somewhere, even if it is not where you expected."
Lindsay Lark, a senior communication studies major, explains that her attempts to apply to companies have been counteracted by hiring freezes that prohibit businesses from hiring anyone. Lark has fortunately found one company with openings, and advises undergraduates to take advantage of the career search opportunities that Furman offers.
"It's all about the students' initiative. You get out what you put in," she said.